Backpacking in Thailand and Vietnam

By Jamie Levi, Nov 3, 2017

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Backpacking is an amazing way of experiencing the world differently. Yes, a luxury hotel is something we all want from time to time, but, sometimes it’s great to have a more basic vacation experience. Going on a backpacking trip gives you a more stripped-back experience and helps you to appreciate the more basic things in life. We recommend everyone go backpacking at least once in their life.

Seeing the world differently opens your mind, and shows you what you have and what you rely on. We love just putting life on hold now and again and taking a backpacking trip, with no technology! A couple of the most beautiful places to head to for backpacking adventures are Thailand and Vietnam. So here is a brief guide for anyone looking to go backpacking to either of these great places.

Thailand

The stunning locations of Thailand beckon, and, while backpacking, you have to check out Bangkok and Chiang Mai in particular. These are stunning cities with so much amazing history and culture, and you have to make sure you pay a visit. The Grand Palace and Wat Arun are some of the most iconic places in Bangkok, while Chiang Mai boasts Wat Phra Singh and the must-see Elephant Nature Park.

What should you do?

There is a lot you can experience in Thailand, and we would certainly recommend checking out some of the stunning Buddhist temples here. Experiencing the people, faith, and culture of this wonderful country is so important, and can open your eyes to a brand new way of life. You should check out the floating lantern festivals, and the street markets with loads of delicious and cheap food to choose from. As a bonus, head for the Khao San Road, where many backpackers gather to begin their journey through Thailand. There are loads of stalls here, and plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs. You could even head out to one of the islands around Thailand – we would suggest Koh Lipe, or the Phi Islands, as these are stunningly beautiful, and offer a slightly different vibe to the towns and cities of the mainland.

Vietnam

Vietnam has some stunning and historically important places to visit, and the two most important are Hanoi and Saigon. Both of these places have so much to offer tourists, and really capture the essence of Vietnam as a country. Hanoi is a charming, traditional Vietnamese city, where you can really get a slice of a more simple way of life. Saigon is more frenetic and fast-paced, and there is plenty to do for those who like to get out and about and soak up new experiences.

What should you do?

When you’re in Vietnam, there is plenty you can do, such as trekking to the North and checking out Ba Be National Park. We also insist you take a look at Halong Bay, the tourist hotspot in Vietnam. Try to plan the time you visit to avoid too many crowds, though this can be difficult because of its popularity. In the middle of Vietnam is the Imperial City, with its citadel, and ancient tombs – this is not an opportunity you want to pass up. As an added bonus while you’re here, why not check out the charming and picturesque town of Hoi An, with its stunning markets and Japanese bridge? If you fancy a beach experience while you’re here check out the resort of Nha Trang, with its amazing beaches – just try to keep sand off your backpack!

These are some of the best places to go, and some of the best things to experience when you’re backpacking across Thailand and Vietnam. You will get to enjoy a special and memorable experience that will change your life for the better. And, to make the most of it, you need to follow the tips and advice that we give you.